The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person for the period from September 28, 2021 onward. However, there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities alone result in the need for aid and attendance prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric condition resulting in total occupational and social impairment was established as of September 28, 2021, which granted him SMC based on A&A from this date onward. Prior to this date, his service-connected disabilities did not result in the need for aid and attendance.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder with psychotic features, Migraine headaches, Allergic rhinitis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Left middle finger disability, Chronic sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- April 17, 2024
- Citation
- A24019256
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A24019256.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his myocardial infarction and COPD to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with psychotic features is granted a 100% disability rating from October 8, 2019 to September 12, 2021 due to persistent hallucinations.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development. The Veteran contends his allergic rhinitis began during service, but VA medical opinions have found no link between his current condition and service.
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